5 Best Home Remedies for Immunity

You’ve probably heard the saying, “old is gold,” and it really rings true here.

Our grandmothers knew a lot about handling seasonal illnesses. Remember how all your coughs and colds seemed to vanish after just a sip of grandma’s special kadha (herbal brew)? Or how a strong cup of ‘adarak ki chai’ (ginger tea) could soothe a sore throat? They had their own magic remedies!

Grandmothers always had a ton of tricks to keep us healthy. Childhood memories wouldn’t be the same without that image of a kind, silver-haired woman surrounded by jars of special teas, unique brews, and syrups, all aimed at curing everything from headaches to constipation!

Even though some might dismiss these as “old-fashioned and unscientific home remedies,” there’s actually science behind each of Grandma’s remedies. She was all about DIY treatments long before they were trendy. Here are a few of her tried-and-true remedies you can try today to boost your immunity:

Shuddh Desi Cough Syrup

Before Vicks vapor rubs and eucalyptus candies became everywhere, many households relied on a homemade cough syrup that grandmothers made every winter. This simple syrup was made with warm water, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Packed with vitamins C and B, plus phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, this syrup helps boost your immune system and helps your body get rid of toxins.

Brew To Fight Runny Noses

This was a simple drink made with warm water, cumin seeds (jeera), jaggery, and black pepper. It was great at clearing blocked noses and reducing mucus.

This mix helps boost immunity by encouraging the growth of white blood cells. Jaggery is packed with minerals like iron, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, all of which are known to strengthen the immune system. Black pepper, on the other hand, has Vitamin C and A, which are also great for boosting immunity.

The Potion For Sore Throats

This homemade drink can easily compete with eucalyptus candies for keeping sore throats and coughs at bay—and it’s healthier too! To make it, just boil some water, add flaxseeds, strain and cool the mixture, then finish with a splash of honey and lime juice.

Here’s how it works: flaxseeds are packed with ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, and lignans, which are plant compounds that can help support your health.

Ghee & Garlic To Battle Chest Congestion

Did you know that ghee (clarified butter) is fantastic for boosting your immune system and improving gut health? Ghee is packed with butyrate, which, when eaten regularly, helps strengthen your immune system.

And garlic, a staple in Indian cooking, is great for increasing the number of virus-fighting T-cells in your bloodstream. Garlic is also rich in sulfur, which helps your body absorb zinc, another immunity booster. You can make a health-boosting ointment by frying garlic cloves.

Also Read: 6 Ways Sleep Aids Weight Loss

Ginger-Tulsi Drink To Avoid Catching A Cold

They say “prevention is better than cure,” and drinking this tea is a tasty way to help avoid catching a cold. Just boil some water, add tulsi (holy basil), tea leaves, a pinch of black pepper, and a bit of ginger.

Here’s how this tea can boost your immune system:

Ginger is packed with gingerol, a compound known for its immune-boosting benefits. Tulsi is rich in Vitamin C and zinc, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Plus, tulsi helps increase T helper cells, which can further enhance your immunity.